Newly crowned Mrs SA, Carika Bebb.
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In pageantry, the crown is often seen as the final destination but for fashion designer, wife and mother, Carika Bebb, it became an unexpected beginning.
After initially placing as first princess, Bebb has now been crowned Mrs South Africa following the unexpected exit of Verushka Singh.
With a renewed sense of purpose, she steps into the role ready to inspire, lead and redefine what this moment means for her.
In an interview with "Independent Media Lifestyle” Bebb reflected on the moment she found out she will now be the reigning queen after Singh announced her withdrawal.
“My first question was, ‘Is Verushka okay?’ We built a meaningful caring friendship during the journey, and I genuinely care about her, her wellbeing and her family. Once I knew she was okay, the reality and significance of the moment set in.
“It was bittersweet, but excitement quickly followed and I immediately called my family to share in the exciting journey that lay ahead for all of us. Sharing in the excitement of happy tears between us was a moment I will cherish forever,” she said.
Mrs SA 2026, Carika Bebb shared that her taking on the role was bittersweet since she formed a close relationship with Verushka Singh.
Image: Supplied
The Cape Town-based beauty queen officially assumed the role as Mrs SA 2026 on March 28. Talking about the crowning moment, she revealed that she never imagined that she would be crowned this way.
“No, I did not imagine being crowned in this way. But I have learned through my life that anything is possible when you trust God’s plan.
“Naturally, then I shifted into a mindset of action - thinking about what needed to be done, how best to step into this role, how to fulfil my responsibility as Mrs South Africa and honour this position,” she shared.
Bebb added that her transition from first princess to titleholder was quick and she was immediately required to step in and take on the responsibility of being Mrs South Africa
Mrs SA is a popularly known pageant for married women. Bebb discussed how she plans on carrying the responsibility of representing married women during her reign.
“My heart is to remind women of their true worth. You are never too old or too far along your path in life to pursue their dreams and walk in their purpose.
“Our identity is not defined by the roles we carry, but by who God created us to be. I want to create confidence in women to unlock their true selves, to believe in a higher purpose and in their hearts believe there is no obstacle you can’t overcome, no hidden wall you can’t climb and nothing stopping you from being you,” she said.
The 44-year-old added that during her reign, she wants to champion for accessible empowerment for women across the country and create an uplifting digital platform.
“I want to make the transformation and empowerment I experienced through the Mrs South Africa platform accessible to more women - especially those who may never have the opportunity to enter a pageant.
Carika Bebb revealed that she wants to focus on women empowerment during her reign.
Image: Supplied
“I am currently developing a digital platform called Building Your Crown. It’s built on the idea that each of us carries unique gifts and talents - like jewels - that we can use to build our own crown, while also uplifting and supporting the women around us.It’s about empowerment, purpose and true sisterhood,” the mother of two shared.
The fashion designer further added that she wants her crowning moment to convey a message about trusting God’s timing.
“I want it to reflect the beauty of God’s perfect timing and His unique plan for each of our lives. It was an intimate and deeply meaningful moment, surrounded by people close to my heart and shared with the new Class of 2026.
“It wasn’t about grandeur - it was about presence, purpose and the peace that comes from knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be,” she said.